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Electrical safety on gas installations
In electrical installations, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s an absolute necessity. Safe isolation procedures need to be in place to ensure that all workers on site are not exposed to danger when working on or near live electrical systems, explains Steve Dunning, managing director of Martindale Electric
T
here may be a tendency to focus electrical safety concerns as the remit of the electrician – but the reality is that many plumbing and
heating installers, and in particular gas engineers, come into contact with electricity on a regular basis. The Health & Safety Executive states that significant numbers of injuries and deaths caused by electricity are still being reported.
What is Technical Bulletin 118?
Considering the danger posed by electricity, the Gas Safe Register’s Technical Bulletin 118 addressed test procedures to help keep service engineers safe from electrical hazards. This was originally issued in January 2018. In 2023, a later version of the bulletin TB118a was issued which superseded the previous version. Technical Bulletin 118a provides information and
guidance which relates to safe-to-touch and safe isolation procedures on single-phase supplies when carrying out gas work. The technical bulletin should be read in conjunction with all other relevant safety guidance such as HSE Guidance Note GS38 (Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage electrical systems).
With the Gas Safe Register’s Technical Bulletin in
mind, Martindale, a specialist in electrical safety, has developed a range of electrical test and lock-off kits specifically for gas engineers. In addition, the company has generated “ALIVE” - a simple to remember acronym highlighting 5 steps to aid the safe isolation process.
Essential electrical safety equipment test equipment for gas engineers
As a solution for locking off the Martindale LOKKITGAS1 for example, enables gas service engineers to securely lock off circuits before carrying out work on appliances connected to the mains power supply. Locking off the supply is an essential step in safe isolation procedures as required by the Electricity at Work Regulations and Gas Safe Register Technical Bulletin TB118a.
The kit includes a padlock, warning tag, miniature MCB locks and the LOKFS1 universal fused spur locking off device. This provides a simple solution for safely isolating fixed wired appliances including cookers, boilers, hand dryers and water heaters. Once
12 August 2025
The kit includes essential test tools for gas safety engineers to achieve compliance to safe isolation procedures as required by the Electricity at Work Regulations and Gas Safe Register Technical Bulletin TB118a. Including easy-to-use tools for live voltage indication together with locking off devices - all supplied in a high-quality soft carry case. The Martindale TB118KITB contains all the tools supplied with the TB118KITA, but with the addition of the EZ664 Socket tester which features loop verification test capability. This allows testing beyond the TB118a requirement by adding the ability to easily check earth loop impedance to determine the quality of the earth.
Five steps to safe isolation of electrical circuits - ALIVE.
To help keep electrical safety as easy as possible, Martindale Electric created a simplified version of their more comprehensive electrical safe working process in the hope that its memorable acronym – “ALIVE” – will help to prevent electricity related injuries and save lives. A – Approved Kit Before starting, make sure your equipment meets all legal safety standards (BS EN61243-3 for example). L – Lock Out
the fuse tray has been opened and the fuse removed, the device is secured in place using the screw heads of the existing facia plate and then locked off with a compatible padlock to prevent reinsertion of the fuse. For a complete solution for safe isolation, the TB118KITA kit for gas engineers includes the VIPD138-S voltage indicator and compatible proving unit, to prove the circuit is dead. Plus, it includes all the components in LOKKITGAS1 as previously detailed which enables gas service engineers to securely lock off circuits. The need for proving a circuit is dead arises because labelling can often be absent or, more dangerously, incorrect. It is not safe to assume a circuit or those adjacent to it are dead just because the isolation device appears to be in the off position.
Identify the point of isolation – lock it off – and place warning tags onto the equipment. I – Initial Prove Test your Voltage Indicator against the proving unit to make sure that it’s working properly. V – Voltage Test Use your Voltage Indicator to confirm that there are no dangerous voltages in the circuit you are about to work on. E – Ensure Prove and re-test the Voltage Indicator against
the proving unit to ensure it is still working, before you start working on the circuit. The TB118KITA and TB118KITB are suitable solutions for gas engineers working on systems with an electrical supply. Both kits include the main items of test and safety equipment to aid safe isolation, verification that the circuit is dead and lock off procedures as detailed in the technical bulletin - helping keep workers safe.
https://martindale-electric.co.uk/safe-isolation-7/
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